Excerpts from the Soccer Grannies audiobook provide a glimpse into these inspiring women from South Africa.
Meet Beka Ntsanwisi
Mama Beka is a highly praised community activist and the founder of the South African Vakhegula-Vakhegula football team . . . affectionately known as the Soccer Grannies!
Meet Granny Rossina
Although Rossina was born in 1941, she looks younger than you might expect for someone in her venerable eighties. Maybe it’s her sporting lifestyle, thanks to Vakhegula Vakhegula. Maybe it’s that all her life she’s had access to the freshest of fruits and vegetables, grown right at home. Or could it be divine reward for a life well lived?
Meet Granny Khune
Khune is happiest when she meets the other women on the pitch to play football. They’ve woven a sort of support system on the field and off, where friends call and check in on friends who haven’t shown up to practice. She knows it’s something of a feat to be playing soccer at her age and is proud of it.
Meet Granny Bull
In 2007 at age 64, Bull started playing soccer. “We were younger then; we were playing like nobody else, and no team could beat us.” Bull’s health improved; she felt stronger, and the aches in her shoulders and neck disappeared.”Football has really helped me a lot.” Bull remains a loyal friend to Beka on and off the soccer field.
Meet Granny Norah
Norah’s hard-earned strength and energy extends from the soccer field to her daily routine. “I wake up early. I stretch and jog about five kilometers. I take care of my grandchildren. I bathe them, cook for them, and feed them. I take my grandchildren to school. When I feel like praying, I pray. I also sweep and wash laundry. Just like that life goes on.”
Meet Granny Omo
Omo’s household includes two grown daughters, their children, and the children of a daughter who has passed away. “I am personally fine,” she says, “but the only thing that bothers me is my house is so small for us. I don’t like being in my bedroom because it’s so overcrowded.”
Though it is cramped, the togetherness suits Omo. She considers her children and grandchildren to be blessings. “God did not bring us into this world to live as islands. We are born to help one another.”
Meet Granny Gayisa
Gayisa finds joy in the healthy movement of a strong body. “Football has brought me peace in my life,” she says. “I go home tired and feeling refreshed.” She takes her cues from some of her oldest teammates. “I want to continue playing soccer, and I won’t stop until I can’t run nor walk anymore. I find help and happiness from the team.”
